Barraba /ˈbærəbə/[2] is a town in the New England region of northern New South Wales, Australia.

The town was the termination point for the Barraba branch railway line until it was closed.

The Kamilaroi people lived and occupied the Barraba region prior to European settlement.

After mining had commenced, a village sprung up, which included a hotel, school and a post office.

The mine closure left a 75-million tonne waste rock dump covering an area of approximately 117 hectares.

[14] On 13 August 2008, an episode of The 7.30 Report described growing concern that the waste left by the derelict mine could pose a health risk to locals and passing tourists.

[15] The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia called for an urgent clean-up of the site and a ban on members of the public going anywhere near it.

[14] This report has been completed but not released, despite the efforts of the Northern Daily Leader and the ABC to have its findings made public.

[16] In 2011, the NSW State Government provided funding of $6.3 million to undertake major rehabilitation of the mine to address the most significant health, safety and environmental issues.

This community group has lobbied local, state and federal governments on a number of issues including the Pipeline from Split Rock Dam to Barraba, Woodsreef Mine Rehabilitation and continues to be an effective liaison between the community and Tamworth Regional Council.